Shoe stretcher



NOV. 29, 1932. GUIFFRE 1,889,357

SHOE STRETCHER Filed 00 14. 1931 I 2 Sheets-Sheet l NOV. 29, 1932. GUIFFR'E- I 1,889,357

SHOE STRETCHER' Filed 001;. 14, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q'zciff're Patented Nov. 29, 1932 nrENT FFICE SHOE STRET'GHEB Application. filed October 14.1931Q Serial No. 568.204.

The present invention relates to lasts or forms for shoes and consists in the combinations and arrangements of elements hereinafter described and particularly set forth in the accompanying claims.

The invention has for its purpose to provide a shoe stretcher comprising a single or unitary structure having means for effectively stretching the shoe laterally or in a lengthwise direction.

A further purpose of the invention is to provide a device of this character wherein the means for lengthwise stretching the shoe may be incorporated in the ordinary and present used devices for laterally stretching shoes. That is to say, it is one of the features of the invention that present apparatus of this general type may be modified to include the essential feature of this invention, i. e. elements for stretching the shoe lengthwise.

The invention is shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan view thereof.

Figure 2 a longitudinal sectional view on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 a View similar to Figure 2 showing the stretcher in applied position.

Figure 4: is a transverse sectional view on the line 4:i of Figure 2.

Figure 5 a top plan view partly in section.

Figure 6 a top plan elevational view, and;

Figure 7 a horizontal sectional View on the line 77 of Figure 2.

Referring to the construction in further detail and wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the different figures shown, the device consists of two similar side portions 8, connected with a pair of heel portions 9, by a plurality of links 10 and 11 that fit within elongated slots or recesses 12 and 13 formed in said toe and heel portions respectively. Said links 10 and 11 are suitably secured by pins 14 and 15 that pass transversely through the heel and toe portions as shown, and said links are adapted to permit of relative lengthwise adjustment between the parts 8 and 9 but prevent relative twisting or angular movements thereof,

,50 as will be understood.

The adjusting means for the device comprises a hand turning screw shaft 16 having bearing in a screw-threaded block 17 mounted in the heel portions 9 (see Figures 6 and 7) and at its inner end said screw carriesa wedge block or member 18 that fits within a conelike chamber 19 formed between the toe members 8 as clearly shown in Figure 7. It will be obvious from the foregoing that any turning of the screw shaft 16 willoperate to so cause the wedge block 18 to bind against said toe members 8 and cause the same to be laterally distended or contracted. In like man- 'ner said lateral adjustment of the toe portions 8 will effect a similar adjustment of the heel portions 9.

To the end that the device may operate to effect a lengthwise adjustment or stretching of the shoe thereis provided a means for locking. the wedge block 18 to the toe memhere 8. Said means comprises a pin-or small bolt 20 adapted to fit within similar and alined apertures 21 and 22 formed in said toe and block portions 8 and 18, respectively.

In the lengthwise or stretching operation of the device there is employed a suitable shoe heel engaging piece comprising a short and arm-like member 23 which has threaded engagement with and depends from the screw shaft 16 as shown (Figures 2 and 3). Said arm member 23 is adapted to bear against the upper and inner heel portion of the shoe, and in conjunction with the heel portions 9, op-

crates to cause relative movement between the members 8 and 23 thereby stretching the shoe in accordance with the degree or extent of turning of the screw shaft 16.

It is to be understood the invention as herein disclosed is not limited to the details of construction shown and described as these may be varied without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

What is claimed as new is:

1. In a shoe stretcher the combination of laterally adjustable side portions, a wedge block cooperable therewith, a screw threaded bar carrying the wedge block, a shoe heel piece mounting the screw bar, and means for locking the wedge block to said side portions 1 whereby turning of the screw bar operates to lengthwise adjust said toe portion relato lengthwise adjust said side portions relative to the heel portion, substantially as set tive to said heel piece, substantially as set forth.

forth.

2. In a shoe stretcher the combination of a heel portion and laterally adjustable toe portions, a wedge block cooperable with the toe portions, a screw threaded bar mounted on the heel portion and carrying the wedge block, a supplemental heel piece carried by the screw bar, and means for locking the wedge block to said side portions whereby turning of the screw bar operates to lengthwise adjust said side portions relative to said heel portion, substantially as set forth. 3.- In a shoe stretcher the combination of a heel portion and laterally adjustable toe portions, link members connecting said heel and toe portions, a wedge block cooperable with the toe portions, a screw threaded bar mounted on the heel portion and carrying the-wedge block, a supplemental heel piece carried by the screw bar, and means for locking the wedge block to said side portions whereby turning of the screw bar operates to lengthwise adjust said-side portions relative to said heel portion, substantially as set forth.

4. In a shoe stretcher the combination of laterally adjustable side portions, an apertured wedge block cooperable therewith, a screw threaded bar carrying the wedge block, a shoe heel piece mounting the screw bar, and a pin adapted to engage the aperture of the wedge block and lock the same whereby turning of the screw bar operates to lengthwise adjust said side portions relative to the heel piece, substantially as set forth.

5. In a shoe stretcher the combination of a heel portion and laterally adjustable toe portions, link members connecting said heel and toe portions, an apertured wedge block cooperable with the toeportions, a screw threaded bar mounted on the heel portion and carrying the wedge block, and a pin carried by the toe portions adapted to engage the aperture of the wedge block and lock the able parts; a screw threaded block located 7 betweenthe members of the heel portion, a pair of links providing flexible connections between the heel and toe portions, a wedge block cooperable with the parts of said toe portions, a screw threaded bar mounted on thethreaded block of the heel portion and carrying the wedge block, and a device for locking the wedge block to said toe portion whereby turning of the screw bar operates In testimony whereof, I aflix my signature.

GAETANO GUIFFRE. 

